Candidates For Governor, House Tout Medicare-For-All
Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who is running for governor, and Brad Westmoreland, who is challenging Rep. Ami Bera in the Democratic primary in suburban Sacramento, both called for a switch in the national health policy to provide Medicare coverage across the country.
Los Angeles Times:
Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom Courts Central Valley Voters With Talk Of Water, Single-Payer Healthcare At Fresno Meet-And-Greet
On healthcare, Newsom touted the fact that, as mayor of San Francisco, he helped establish a citywide universal healthcare program that predated President Obama’s Affordable Care Act. “I do believe in Medicare for all. I do believe that it’s inevitable in this country,” Newsom said. “Eventually we’ll have some courage federally and we’ll get there. The question is how can we complement that debate here in California.” (Willon, 8/15)
The Sacramento Bee:
Bernie Sanders Supporter Jumps In To Unseat California Democrat
A 30-year-old lawyer who backed Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders last year has jumped into the race to challenge Rep. Ami Bera, a three-term Democrat representing suburban Sacramento. Brad Westmoreland, a Democrat and political newcomer, said he wants to shake up “politics-as-usual.” He criticized Bera for his stance on health care, and for accepting campaign contributions from insurance companies. “I believe in Medicare-for-all ... I don’t think we can rely on Congressman Bera to go against his own interests and support universal health care when he takes money from people who are opposed to a Medicare-for-all type system,” Westmoreland said, referencing Sanders’ push for a single-payer health care system. (Hart, 8/15)